Do you have REI anywhere near you, or someplace you'll be travelling to before she starts school? That is where I buy my serious outdoor clothes/equipment. If you can't get to one of their stores, they have a fab website! Here is the section for just winter boots:
http://www.rei.com/category/4500232. Plus, if you sign up for an REI membership (only $10 I think for a lifetime membership), you get a portion back on everything you spend (it's a CoOp). I just got my dividend for the year ($25 or so).
I have always loved Columbia jackets. Like someone else said upthread, many of their jackets are 3-in-1. I wear both the outer and liner for cold days and skiing, the outer only for days when it's not super cold but might rain, and the liner on chilly but clear days.